All Things Hidden

Rating:
Summary: Christianity meets suspense
Review:
Kuwana Haulsey has written a stirring tribute honoring Dr. May Edward Chinn who was exactly as the title states. She was an angel for the people of the New York City area known as Harlem. The novel covers her 1896 birth in Massachusetts, moving to NY with her parents and living in dreadful poverty conditions. May was burdened with tremendous childhood and teen years of struggles and heart aches. Among them were an unplanned teen pregnancy, having to give her infant son up for adoption and afterwards suffering from severe depression. However, due to her mother's fortitude and continuous encouragement, May was accepted into college based on her extraordinary high scores, minus a high school diploma.

Facing enormous and threatening hardships throughout the enrollment of college and medical school; racism, sexism, financial difficulties and love affair barriers, May Chinn achieved what many dared her to accomplish. She became a doctor and is noted as the first Black female physician in New York. She served her patients diligently and tirelessly for many, many years. With amazing talents and working assiduously in order to aid the sick and needy that were in dire need of medical assistance, Dr. Chinn was definitely a woman who wore an invisible halo around her head. She was indeed the Black Angel of Harlem.

Angel of Harlem is definitely a great novel of worth. I was truly inspired by the biographical and historical information on this female pioneer's accomplishments. The sites of the NYC area, the Harlem Renaissance acquaintances (Zora Neale Hurston, Paul Roberson, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Fats Waller and a host of others) of Dr. Chinn, along with information surrounding her musical mastery were treats within the chronicle. Ms. Haulsey has penned a prized novel regarding a woman with phenomenal integrity and breathtaking compassion.

Readincolor Reviewer
Tanya Tatum



Rating:
Summary: The Best Christian Thriller
Review: All Things Hidden is Judy Candis at her best! From the very beginning, homicide detective, Jael Reynolds, handcuffed my hands to the bookcover and took me along for the ride. I was horrified one moment, heartbroken the next, then swept up in the momentum of her fierce determination. I've never read a thriller with such a compelling and realistic rendering of faith and the trials that challenge it!
Jael faces obstacles that would push any of us to the brink, if not over the edge, and yet she pulls strength from her faith to keep her feet planted firmly beneath her.

I'm giving ALL THINGS HIDDEN to all the booklovers on my gift list!

Rating:
Summary: All Things Hidden
Review: All Things Hidden is Judy Candis at her best. We're taken on a whirlwind adventure in which Detective Jael Reynolds relies on her faith to keep her focus. Not only has Ms. Candis employed the use of intricate plots to hold our interest, she has also created characters with grit.

I was unable to put it down. In fact, I read the whole book in one setting. It's a fast-paced, easy read, one you can recommend with confidence to all you know.

My hat's off to you, Judy Candis. Can't wait for Detective Reynolds' next exploration. Don't make us wait too long.

Rating:
Summary: Evil lurks near us everyday
Review: Evil is always lurking, always on the lookout for an opportunity to rear its ugly head and always ready to mount a surprise attack, catching us unaware of impending doom. But it is a Holy, God-fearing person that is always prepared to do battle with the forces of evil no matter the circumstances. In ALL THINGS HIDDEN, Officer Jael Reynolds is no slouch to performing her duties as a homicide detective for the Dadesville County Police Department. She is touted as the cream of the crop when it comes to homicide cases in the police department and she is well respected by other members of the force and her team. She also has a secret weapon in her daily walk with crime, her faith in God. So when known drug dealers in the area turn up murdered, with no clues left behind and nobody willing to talk, Jael relies heavily on God for direction and guidance especially when the tide of the crime spree turns and knocks on her door. Will she be prepared for the ultimate test?

Jael is a divorced mother of one son, Ramon. Her ex-husband, Virgil, is a constant thorn in her side when it comes to rearing their only child. Due to her past relationship with Virgil and her current relationship with God, Jael has used work as an excuse to avoid dating. However, it appears that God has other plans for her in this aspect too as He puts FBI Special Agent Eric Grant, an exact replica of The Rock, at her disposal during this crisis. Their relationship begins tentatively and proceeds to one of mutual respect and high romantic interest. Will Agent Grant help solve the crime or give Jael dreams of another nature?

Judy Candis has written a great detective crime story with many elements to make this a smash hit. The heroine is a smart, likeable African American with heart and soul and a deep abiding faith in God. The hero is a man straight from her dreams and has enough courage to lean on God also as well as encourage her to strengthen her faith. There were so many twist and turns in this book that it was very hard to put down. What was truly inspiring in this book was the author's weaving of how we can use God daily in our professional and personal lives and her reminder that evil lurks around us where we least expect it. This is a great read.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers


Rating:
Summary: DELIVERS ON ALL LEVELS!
Review: Jael Reynolds is a tough police woman, balancing her career and single motherhood, it is her faith sustains her. This was a fast paced novel, with numerous plot twists and great scenes. The story could have taken place 40 years ago, yet it is set in present times making the plot even more engrossing. This is a clear page turner. I look forward to more "Jael Reynolds" in future novels.

Rating:
Summary: Solid research, great characters
Review: Judy Candis not only did great in-depth research for this novel, she has spun the silk of her labors into a bumpy cloak of intrigue and street-smart dialogue. Although I consider myself a "heathen" and therefore don't normally read this genre, I did enjoy the characters, the plot twists, and the overall storyline. I do believe we need more heroines, and this detective stands tall when we need her most. Great main character. I'd follow her anywhere. Thanks to the author for giving her readers a woman who solves problems (not who creates them)and who sticks with my memory for a long time. She's pithy, funny, and down to earth. I couldn't ask for more. Ok. I could and I am: Where's the sequel?